Gradual Growth

I stress the need to build a solid foundation in the basics, that which is practiced for life and I say that there is only one way to achieve a level of proficiency and understanding which is in accord with nature, the natural way of things. To try and circumvent this process leads to a lacking in proficiency and thus in life.

I came across some quotes in the I Ching that express the need to follow the laws of nature.

"Wood above, Mountain below. It denotes a tree that is growing gradually to its height on a mountain. When the trunk of a tree grows upward above the ground, its roots develop deep underneath the earth. This progress upward and downward growth are in positive proportion. In this way, the tree remains strong, firm, and stable. This is the wisdom of nature. Weeds grow fact; they are neither strong nor stable."

Gradual development is the "cornerstone" of the fighting arts that encompasses both the physical and spiritual. Much like practicing kata with out bunkai and visualization. We see etymologically in the gokui references to the cycles and processes that are natural and in equilibrium with the Tao or the Universe so those who take this seriously travel the same path in practice and training.

Trees whose roots fail to develop properly into the earth are easily uprooted while tree that has found balance in gradual growth finds their foundation or root system to be deep, strong, resilient, and healthy.

Those who take the natural path of the fighting arts develop wholeheartedly while those who insist on the short path end up quitting when it no longer suits their egoistic needs.

Which path do you follow?

I Ching:

"In advancing, one should move gradually." "Any kind of development should proceed in an orderly way and advance step by step."